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Safety Protocol for Participant Mental Health Crises

Purpose

This safety protocol outlines the procedures facilitators should follow if a participant in the L.I.F.E. De-Escalation and Suicide Prevention Training appears to be experiencing acute emotional distress or a potential mental health crisis during or immediately following the training. While the training focuses on building skills for responding to suicide risk, the program recognizes that discussions of suicide and crisis response may activate personal experiences for some participants.

The purpose of this protocol is to ensure that all participants receive timely, appropriate support if a crisis arises.

Operational Response Steps

If a participant expresses suicidal thoughts, appears to be in significant distress, or indicates they may be in immediate danger, facilitators should take the following steps:

1. Pause and Acknowledge

The facilitator should pause the training if necessary and acknowledge the participant’s concern or emotional reaction in a calm, supportive manner.

Example approach: “Thank you for sharing that. I want to make sure you have the support you need.”

2. Move to a Private Conversation

If the training is in person, the facilitator should invite the participant to step aside for a private conversation. If the training is virtual, the facilitator should move the participant to a private breakout room or follow up through a direct message or private call if appropriate.

3. Assess Immediate Safety

The facilitator should determine whether the participant appears to be in immediate danger by asking supportive, direct questions such as:

  • Are you having thoughts of suicide?

  • Do you have any intent of hurting yourself today?

The facilitator’s role is not to conduct a full clinical assessment, but to determine whether additional support or emergency services may be needed.

4. Connect the Participant to Support

If the participant indicates distress or potential suicide risk, the facilitator should encourage the participant to connect with appropriate support resources, including:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    Call or text 988 (U.S.)
    Available 24 hours per day

  • Local crisis response services, such as mobile crisis teams, if available

If the participant appears to be in immediate danger, facilitators should encourage contacting emergency services.

5. Follow Organizational Procedures (if applicable)

If the training is being conducted within an organization (such as a workplace, school, or agency), facilitators may encourage the participant to connect with available internal resources, such as:

  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

  • Peer support teams

  • Human resources or wellness staff

  • On-site mental health professionals

Facilitators should follow any applicable organizational safety procedures when appropriate.

6. Document and Follow Up

After the situation is stabilized, facilitators should document the incident according to organizational policies and may follow up with the participant if appropriate to ensure they were able to connect with support.

Facilitator Responsibilities

Facilitators delivering this program are responsible for:

  • Creating a respectful, supportive training environment

  • Monitoring participant well-being during discussions involving suicide

  • Responding promptly if a participant appears to be in distress

  • Connecting participants with appropriate support resources

  • Following this safety protocol and any relevant organizational procedures

Facilitators are not expected to provide therapy or crisis counseling but should assist participants in connecting with appropriate support services.